WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Justice Shalton Hato has instructed his ministry to prepare a legislative amendment aimed at providing faster, stronger and more effective protection for victims of domestic and relational violence. In developing the proposed changes, Curaçao is explicitly looking at the protection order system currently in use in Suriname.
According to the minister, the planned amendment builds on earlier measures in the areas of victim protection, family law and the integrated approach to violence behind closed doors. A key new element is that the law should explicitly allow for swift and accessible protective measures, separate from lengthy criminal proceedings.
By drawing inspiration from the Surinamese model, Curaçao aims to prevent situations in which victims must first wait for a formal police report, investigation and prosecution before their safety can be secured. Instead, the focus is shifting toward immediate intervention when there is a clear threat or a pattern of ongoing violence.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of persistently troubling figures. Recent police data show that relational violence remains a deeply rooted problem on the island. Each year, hundreds of reports are filed involving assault, threats and other forms of violence within relationships and families. A significant number of these cases occur in private settings and often follow a recurring pattern, with victims frequently dependent on the perpetrator or hesitant to file formal complaints.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that these dynamics make rapid protection essential. The proposed legislative change is intended to allow authorities to intervene earlier in situations involving imminent danger or structural abuse. In doing so, the emphasis shifts from reacting after the fact to preventing further escalation. Ensuring safety within the family is being framed as a fundamental condition for a just and resilient society.
Curaçao’s decision to look to Suriname offers a clear indication of the intended direction of the legislation. In Suriname, courts can issue protection orders relatively quickly, including restraining orders or temporary bans from the home, with immediate enforcement by the police. A comparable system on Curaçao could close an important gap between initial reports and actual protection for victims.
It is not yet known when the draft legislation will be submitted. The ministry has indicated that the proposal is being developed carefully, but has also stressed the urgency of the issue, given the continued scale and impact of domestic and relational violence on the island.